Title: Music Teacher
Company: Wakefield School
Location: Middleburg, Virginia, United States
Bess Putnam, Music Teacher at Wakefield School, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Music Education and Musical Performance.
Ms. Putnam has established herself as a distinguished music educator and performing artist with two decades of professional experience. For the past few years, she has served as a music teacher at Wakefield School, where she is also a member of the lower school performing arts faculty within the arts department. In this capacity, Ms. Putnam is recognized for her innovative teaching methods, notably through her Songbird Music Class. This unique program integrates music with nature, enabling students to identify bird calls and develop meaningful connections with their environment.
Before joining Wakefield School in 2022, Ms. Putnam served as the music director at Trinity Episcopal Church. In this role, she curated musical programs that enriched worship experiences and engaged congregants through a blend of traditional and contemporary selections. Ms. Putnam’s leadership significantly contributed to the church’s vibrant musical community, providing opportunities for intergenerational participation.
Ms. Putnam’s career as a musician and performing artist spans many years and is marked by her commitment to connecting audiences with the history and landscape of Virginia through song. Performing under the moniker The Blue Mountain Songbird, she blends storytelling with music to inspire conservation and appreciation for the region’s storied heritage. Ms. Putnam’s concerts often feature historical narratives woven into themed performances, such as a 300-year history of agriculture, a Patsy Cline tribute, “Christmas in Camp” highlighting Civil War stories, and presentations for the Civil War convention in Middleburg. She is currently developing a show centered on fox hunting traditions, accompanied by original songs.
Ms. Putnam’s academic background included coursework in religion and philosophy at Northern Virginia Community College. This foundation has informed her holistic approach to teaching and performing, allowing her to draw connections between music, personal expression and broader cultural themes.
Beyond her professional roles, Ms. Putnam is deeply involved in civic life throughout the Virginia Piedmont region. She has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and has served on the board of the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area Association, an organization dedicated to preserving local history through education, for over five years. Additionally, Ms. Putnam contributes her expertise as an advisory board member for the scholarship committee of the Middleburg Library Board.
Ms. Putnam’s creative output includes an upcoming album featuring original works such as “Wildflower,” “Turns Out” and “Trees in Virginia.” These compositions reflect her deep connection to place, family legacy and personal growth. A project initially started as a keepsake for her girls, but it grew into much more. Ms. Putnam hopes that each song on the album serves someone in their own way.
Throughout her career, Ms. Putnam’s expertise in music theory has been instrumental in shaping her distinctive approach to both performance and education. Her contributions were notably featured in Country Desk Magazine, where she was recognized for her creative content curation and her ability to make music education engaging and relevant for young learners. More recently, Ms. Putnam’s dedication to fostering a love of music in children was honored in 2022 when she received the Educator of the Year Award, an accolade voted on by parents and that reflected the profound impact her teaching has had on families.
Attributing her success to authenticity and emotional openness, which she believes are essential qualities for true artistry, Ms. Putnam hopes to continue fostering deep connections that resonate with both audiences and learners for years to come. She also remains steadfast about honoring the legacy of her late parents, who instilled in her a love for teaching and artistic expression. Ms. Putnam’s achievements reflect not only professional excellence but also a profound dedication to nurturing future generations through creativity, heritage and heartfelt connection.
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